Basil Organic (ocimum basilicum, a Methylchavicol)

Aroma
Sweet basil oil is a pale yellow or almost colourless mobile liquid with a sweet-spicy, slightly green, fresh topnote and a balsamic-woody undertone

Botany
Basil is an annual herb which grows about 0.5m in height.  with green leaves. 

Historical, traditional and researched uses
Basil is the 'king of plants' and has been cultivated for 5000 years as a digestive, mental and mood aid.

"The smell of basil...taketh away sorrowfulness and maketh a man merry and glad" John Gerard

ct Methychavicol has strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties but there are safety concerns for its use in aromatherapy because of its estragole content.

Basil is combined in Ayervedic medicine with black pepper to relieve malarial fever

Affirmation
"I am able to concentrate on what needs my full attention now. My mind is clear and alert".

Characteristics
Strengthening, clearing and liberating.

Oils to Blend with
Basil blends well with most other herb based essential oils and also with lavender, geranium, bergamot, lime, lemon, frankincense and pine.

Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum

Botanical Family
Labiate or Lamiacaeae

Extraction Method
Sweet basil oil is steam distilled from the leaves and the flowering tops of O.Basilicum.

Country of Origin
Egypt (a Linalool),  we also offer Madagascor (a Methylchavicol) 

Chemotypes
ct Linalool, ct Methyl chavicol.  There are five chemotypes.

Chemical Constituents

ct Linalool: Linalool 45%, methyl chavicol (estragole) 26%, eugenol 6%, limonene 5%, geraniol 0.2%
cy Methyl chavicol:  Linalool 1%, methyl chavicol 86%, eugenol 0.7% limonene 2%

Haptens
Eugenol, Geraniol, Limonene and Linalool.

Precautions
Usually stimulating but has a stupefying effect when used in excess. An emmenagogue so best to avoid in pregnancy. Basil can also irritate people with very sensitive skin.